The best camping near Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site

95%
(72)

Nella Chestnut Farm

15 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Hood River, OR
Neal Creek runs through the farm, offering a tranquil ambiance with its soothing sounds, and gentle cool breeze it brings with it. Additionally, there's a picturesque 10-foot-deep pond, fed by Shelly Creek, that a family of ducks has been calling home for years. At the right time of the year the orchestra that the frogs perform at the pond is the most impressive thing on Nella Chestnut Farm. Children of all ages can enjoy the thrill of a very tall swing on the property located right at the walking bridge that crosses Neal Creek. There are 2 full restrooms each with a shower, 1 built inside a 20-foot shipping container the other right beside it. Under the restroom container is another buried container that is literally the coolest area to cool off in. The temperature is 50'F year round. Exploring the farm is a delightful experience, guests are welcome to let their dogs roam freely. No plastic bags allowed. It is a farm and it is what animals do , there are shovels scattered around the farm so if you see something you personally do not like, grab a shovel, dig a hole & bury it, adding nutrients to the soil, the trees will be very happy to watch you and so would Mother Nature. Skaters ... and maybe some of you ... wait for it ... used to skate ... LOL ... there's a mini ramp inside a 20' shipping container so drop in. It is a working Chestnut Farm where you can find spots to camp, not a campground. There are no designated spots . There is power in both restrooms and the barn, there is a spot to dump waste to Nella Chestnut Farm septic as well. Please remember to dispose of all waste and recyclables responsibly by taking them to the Hood River Recycle and Transfer Station at 3440 Guignard Dr, Hood River, OR 97031. Remember no plastic bags please. As much as I love DEER TICK not everyone does, ticks in the spring can be nasty, I am warning you.
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$20
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97%
(540)

Willow Barn Ranch

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Wapato, WA
This small 25-acre ranch is just in the early stages of development. We are repairing fences and watering. I just added solar power and several electrical upgrades for RV's. The property has a 2000 feet of grass runway with an airplane hangar, so you could fly it if you have a STOHL airplane. The irrigation pond/pond yard area is currently available for camping. Many wineries, brewies and outdoor activities available in the area. Children can help feed or water the pigs and perhaps the chickens. Be aware though when piglets are around at times they are very small and are amazing escaped artists so do not keep food out unless you want to try and pet one they are friendly. We are more than happy to help suggest wineries and brewies in the area or enjoy the bar area we have! We offer several campsites as well as an in-ground greenhouse as listings. Guests love staying with us: "The pond at Willow Barn Ranch was picturesque. Show us around the property. It's very quiet and peaceful, and you can tell you take good care of your land. Wide open spaces." Please be aware that we do not allow parking on grass without explicit permission which is always handled on site. Vehicles will most likely not be permitted on the grass itself with rare exceptions.
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$30
 / night
100%
(15)

Columbia Gorge Getaways Resort

8 sites · Lodging, Tents400 acres · Carson, WA
Columbia Gorge Getaways (CGG) is a family-owned glamping Resort that offers clean, comfortable, and safe accommodations. We have many different accommodation types, along with spaces to gather, collaborate, and celebrate. CGG is built on a landscape that boasts outdoor activities to fuel and feed the mind, body, and soul. When you stay with Columbia Gorge Getaways, you have your choice of luxurious yurts, cozy glamping tents, or well-maintained campsites cradled under a canopy of evergreen boughs. CGG has a rich history where flora, fauna, and industry coexisted. After being purchased from a local logging company in 2017, CGG’s owners continue to manage the private 400 acres of diverse timberland. They are similarly passionate about sharing the physical, mental, and emotional benefits the forest provides. Columbia Gorge Getaways is nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. We are conveniently located near Portland, Bend, and Seattle.
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$59
 / night
95%
(225)

Roots Rise Family Farm

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Lyle, WA
Cozy boondock campground situated in the beautiful High Prairie on Friends of the Gorge land with gorgeous views in every direction. Our property has been intact here since the 1940’s and has tons of eclectic charm & history. We are excited to share this beautiful land and its bounty with anyone who feels called. We are slowly building our dreams here and love the camping community so much. Come for the peace & quiet. Stay for the adventure.
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$45
 / night
92%
(30)

Mosier creek Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Mosier, OR
on the banks of Mosier Creek. Nice shady, private area. Several hikes from your spot. Fly fishing for brook trout, lots if craydads in creek. Wild mint, black berry's, a hammock for a afternoon nap. Flat area foe a tent, RV, small trailer. Chairs, table, hammock ready for you to come and enjoy. Oregon, has mosquitoes, snakes, deer, fox, coyotes. As of Oct 1st. Small fires are allowed. After you turn on Carrol road, you will see a dry creek road sign. The camp site is down over the bank from this sign
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$30
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97%
(769)

WindWoodRivers

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Home Valley, WA
One of the oldest original homesteads in the area, for nearly 150 years this gem has been in the family. We have shared it with many people over the years and would love to share it with you! These beloved woods are the remaining part of the once vast, St. Martin homestead-started in the late 1800s. Our family ties and our roots grow very deeply in these woods-we've been born and raised here and continue to strive to be good stewards of these lands. Pristine woods, trails, river access, and more! Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, 60 minutes east of Portland, 25 minutes west of Hood River. A truly tranquil place to enjoy exclusively, or to use as a basecamp for the unlimited adventures possible in this scenic area. Welcome and enjoy!
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$75
 / night
100%
(12)

Harvest Haven Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Lyle, WA
*Note: this is a working farm with livestock and free range chickens. Located just 1.5 miles east of the Catherine Creek Recreation area, we are perfectly located for those looking to hike, mountain bike, hunt, rock climbing at coyote wall, windsurf, wine tasting, bird watch or just looking to relax among wild turkey, deer and song birds. This campground has 3 sites that share a 1-acre field running parallel to a quiet county road. While the site offers ample space for camping and outdoor activities, be aware that you'll have neighbors nearby. Guests are free to explore an additional 30 acres of fields, woods, farm, and garden on foot during their stay. While the farmhouse is about 450 feet away, there is a tree canopy of giant White Oaks that provides some privacy from it. Unfiltered spring water is available at water spigots near camp as well as at the farmstand but guests are encouraged to purify water for drinking or bring their own drinking water. Please note that the campsites are situated along a county road, so occasional traffic will be seen and heard. Overall, the campsite offers a pleasant outdoor experience with access to various recreational opportunities . This camp is placed the amongst the great White Oaks of the quaint and charming Hillbilly Farm that rests in the heart of the Scenic Columbia River Gorge. This property is a mix of woods made of ancient oaks and Maple and grassy fields full of wildflowers in spring and has several points that offer views of the Columbia river and Mt. Hood . It also has a seasonal farm stand filled with produce and products that are all grown, raised or made right here on this farm. Additionally, there is a 1 acre garden for you to stroll thru with a U-pick salad bar and from the tomato and herb garden. Or perhaps you would like to check out the farms chickens, guinea hens and pigs and feed them apples. Be sure to meet our Kunekune pig "Petunia" who loves her belly rubbed. Another local attraction is wine tasting at one or all of the 4 wineries in the neighborhood, 2 of which are within walking distance of your camp. Beyond the camp, there are countless recreation opportunities within a few mins drive of camp including numerous hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, fishing, swimming, beaches, boating, windsports, wildlife viewing, bird watching, kayaking, paddleboarding, white water rafter.
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$25
 / night
100%
(16)

Cat's Forest Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Goldendale, WA
On a clear day you can see Mount Hood. Great stargazing at night away from bright lights. Lots of River Rock and Agates. Abundant wildlife. Mostly hilly and forested terrain. Nearby is Greek Bakery & monastery, Brooks Memorial State Park. Visit Goldendale Observatory, Maryhill museum & Stonehenge.
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$25
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98%
(96)

Waterwheel Park

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Cook, WA
Once an old homestead. Learn more about this land:      Hello Hipcampers.  We do NOT sell firewood. Bring your own. Please read the whole description and understand the car/trailer length limits before booking.  32' (thirty-two feet)  means car and trailer, not just the trailer.   Smaller trailers like the teardrops or fifteen footers can be backed in easily, but if you're over 32 feet with vehicle the space to maneuver is too small.      Your camp site is under tall fir trees on fairly level ground. The site is next to a county road (see pictures), but traffic is very light. Next to your camp site is a 12x20 foot deck by a clear pond with beautiful trout and a running creek. A large picnic table is provided. It is a semi private location as the owners (us) also enjoy the pond and creek, and use the driveway. You can see the main house from the campsite but it's very quite.  There is absolutely NO fishing allowed in the pond!  The large trout in the pond are for your viewing enjoyment. 25cent fish food dispenser.      There is a clean privy; it's not fancy but it works and we use it when we're working outdoors.   We think you'll find it quite acceptable.  It's only a few yards from your camp site.      There is a fresh water spigot between the main house and the privy to fill water bottles or water for cooking.  Just lift the handle for water to flow.  Pour gray water in bushes away from the camp site.      Hipcampers ARE WELCOME to walk our big garden.  Simply walk past the privy, over the wooden bridge and through the white gate to see flower gardens, ponds, fruit trees, and berry bushes.   We love to share our space with you, however, we ask that you limit your garden walk to one time so that your walking experience is balanced with our desire for privacy. Keep gates closed and stay out of sheep paddocks.      Children:  This is a wonderful and fun place for children, but the waterwheel and ponds deserve your attention.  Keep children safely away from the waterwheel, and be next to them when viewing it.  You must be diligent if your children don't have experience with open water.  Please do not allow them to throw our landscaping rocks into the ponds as I have to dig them all out later.  For some reason kids love to throw rocks into ponds!  Just down the road only 100 yards, is a school playground with swings, basketball courts, tennis courts and a huge field to play on!  So bring your frisbee, soccer ball or any other field toys.      Don't leave food out at night!  That could attract unwanted furry visitors.  There is a healthy population of bear and cougar in this area.  These animals generally stay away from humans, but you should carry a horn or bear spray when hiking in the woods of the Columbia Gorge.        Go right to your camp site.  We may come greet you when you arrive if we're home, but then leave you alone to your own peace and quiet.       There is parking at the campsite for two vehicles side by side, or a car and trailer.   We may accommodate a third vehicle with prearrangement.      Camper Trailers:   The driveway is circular, so you can pull in at either entrance, get out  and take a look at how best to back your trailer into its spot.      Live music at your campsite is an experience we offer.  Great for kids!
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$40
 / night
95%
(116)

Justesen Ranches

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsTygh Valley, OR
Justesen Ranches is family owned working cattle, wheat and recreation ranch . Our properties are located in the Columbia River Plateau in North Central Oregon. Enjoy wide open spaces, reservoirs for wildlife watching and clear night skies for star gazing. This is a leave no trace, pack it in, pack it out camping area.The property is located in Tygh Valley and is only a few minutes from the general store and the stunning White River Falls State Park. The Deschutes River whitewater rafting hub of Maupin is just a 10 minute drive away. The lodge two hours from Portland and 30 min from The Dalles.
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$85
 / night
100%
(33)

Lefever Holbrook Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Goldendale, WA
The Lefever Holbrook Ranch offers a unique stay overlooking some of washington’s most scenic views. Enjoy educational workshops and local adventures through the Gorge. Tour the land and hear about Paulette’s ranching philosophy. The ranch stores are open by appointment, so stock up on the ranches products grass-fed beef, lamb, pork, chickens, turkey, and rabbit or graze the greenhouse or gardens for just picked in season vegetables or catch on the daily evening barns tours available with sign up.
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$50
 / night
100%
(2)

Relax Pine Hollow

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Tygh Valley, OR
Welcome to the serene Pine Hollow camp sites. Our 5-acre property features: Seasonal pond Fire pit Power hookups for RVs Outdoor heated shower Less than 5 minutes to Pine Hollow Reservoir Deschutes River rafting approximately 30 minutes away Onsite drinking water Wamic store and hardware just 5 minutes away Lake within 5 minutes' reach As avid hosts and social beings, we take pleasure in accommodating your needs. Should you require assistance, we reside on the corner of the property and are readily available to help.
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$50
 / night

The best camping near Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site guide

Overview

About

Embark on an astronomical adventure at Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site. Here, the universe unfolds before your eyes with one of the nation's largest public telescopes. By day, bask in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and as night falls, gaze upon the celestial wonders during the park's famed evening programs. While overnight stays are not on the agenda, the park's interpretive activities and stargazing opportunities promise a day trip like no other.

When to go

The best time to visit Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site is from April 1 to September 30, when the park is open Thursday through Sunday and offers both solar and evening shows. Winter months offer a different charm, with operations from Friday to Sunday. Avoid closures by planning your visit around these times.

Know before you go

  • Ensure you have a Discover Pass; an annual pass is $30, and a one-day pass is $10.
  • Appointments are required for visiting, so book in advance to secure your spot.
  • Remember, day-use only—overnight parking or camping is not permitted.
  • Service animals are welcome, but pets and emotional support animals are not allowed in the building.
  • Check the park hours before your visit, as they vary seasonally and the park closes at sunset on non-operational days.

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